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Urinary Tract Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Home Remedies and Prevention

By on August 24, 2016

What is Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection is defined as an infection of the urinary tract. Urinary tract removes the waste and excess water from our body.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections may affect different parts of the urinary tract. Infection of the bladder is known as cystitis whereas urethra infection is called as urethritis. If the kidneys are infected the condition is known Pyelonephritis. The Infection of the ureter is quite rare.

Commonly UTI Involves the organs of lower urinary tract. It is a second most common infection that occurs in the body and is more common in females as compared to men.

lower urinary tract

lower urinary tract

More than 50 percent of women suffers from a UTI at some point in their life and about 30 percent of women suffers from recurrent urinary tract infection. UTI may be a cause of infertility and in pregnant women, it increases the risk of premature delivery and stillbirth.

Thus, it is very important to have knowledge of UTI to prevent and treat it before the condition complicates.

What are the Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

The most important cause of UTI in women is poor knowledge of cleaning their anus. Urethra and anus are located closely. The urethra of a woman known as vagina id short and so E.Coli (Common causative agent of UTI) and other intestinal bacteria can easily to escape to the urethra through the anus. From vagina, they reach the bladder and cause infection. In untreated it results in the kidney infection. Sex also helps bacteria to the urinary tract.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

Although common in female UTI also may occur in men, and in children who have a problem with wiping their anus. Individuals more at risk are:

  • An individual suffering from diabetes
  • Poor hygiene
  • Having a urinary catheter
  • Bowel issues
  • Individuals with Kidney stones
  • Using contraceptives such as diaphragms.
  • Pregnancy and menopause (Due to the decrease level of estrogen)
  • Immunocompromised individuals
  • Use of tampons and spermicides.
  • Individuals on antibiotics
  • Bedridden individuals and those with spinal cord injury

What are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

  • Urinary tract infection symptoms vary according to gender, age and the part of urinary tract involved.
  • Common symptoms are a pain in the abdomen and back, frequent urging to pass urine, Burning while urination, nausea, vomiting, fever and muscle ache. There may be the strong smell of urine. Urine may be cloudy or bloody.
  • If kidney gets involved, there may be an infection, they could upper back and side pain, fever with chills and fatigue.
  • If bladders get involved, there is low fever, along with abdominal cramp and pain in the lower back.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

How is Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed

  • First of all, your health care provider may ask you questions related to the symptoms.
  • Next step is to collect the urine sample to assess the presence of RBC, WBC, and bacteria. To collect the urine sample first wash your genital area and then collecting a mid-flow. Morning first urine is more preferred.
  • In the case of recurrent infections, the further diagnostic test is done such as urine culture to rule out any anatomical or functional issues.
  • Other imaging tests include ultrasound, MRI scans, CT scans, and X-rays. Cystoscopy may also be done in some cases
Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed

Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed

What is the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection

As UTI is caused due to bacteria your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotic. Usually, a UTI is cured in 2 to 3 days. To prevent recurrence complete full course of antibiotics even if symptoms disappear. In the case of severe infection, 7 to 14 days of antibiotic course is prescribed. Antipyretic and painkillers may be given in the case of fever, colic and back ache.

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection

Drink lots of water and have proper rest.

In severe cases, the patient may be admitted to the hospital.

What are the Home Remedies to Treat Urinary Tract Infection

1.Baking Soda- It is very effective in neutralizing the acidity. Just take a teaspoon of baking soda and add it to a glass of water. Drink it two times a day fro fast recovery.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda

2. Cranberry Juice- they contain proanthocyanidins that act as mild antibiotic and treats UTI. Drink a glass of cranberry juice daily. You may also drink it 2 to 3 times a day.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry Juice

3.Apple Cider Vinegar- they are rich in minerals that restrict the growth of bacteria. Mix 4 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and a half teaspoon honey to 1 glass of water. Drink it two times a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

4.Indian Gooseberry- Being rich in Vitamin C it inhibits the growth of bacteria. Drink its juice 2 times a day to relieve your symptoms.

Indian Gooseberry

Indian Gooseberry

5.Blueberry juice- It has bacteria-inhibiting properties. Drink it daily to treat UTI.

Blueberry juice

Blueberry juice

How is Urinary Tract Infection Prevented

First, of all drink plenty of water so that harmful bacteria is flushed out of your body. Avoid using public toilets as much as you can and keep your toilet clean Maintain hygiene of intimate areas. Avoid using spermicidal contraceptives. After sex empty your bladder and clean your intimate area and avoid tampons.

Urinary Tract Infection Prevented

Urinary Tract Infection Prevented

And the most important wipe your anus from forward to back to prevent bacteria access to the vagina.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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